More than 20 years after “Maid in Manhattan” hit theaters, Marisa and Christopher are together again.
Former co-stars Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes, who played the couple at the center of the beloved 2002 rom-com, recently reunited at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival on Saturday, Jan. 4. Fiennes presented Lopez with the legend and groundbreaker award during Variety’s special 10 Directors to Watch and Creative Impact Awards brunch.
Variety posted a video on X of Fiennes’ thoughtful speech in which he reflected on Lopez’s decades-long career and praised her for her connection to her roles.
“Well, I’ll tell you who she isn’t. She isn’t like anyone you’ve ever met before, but let me tell you more. Once upon a time, in another life, and perhaps in a different epoch of movie storylines, there was this Republican senatorial candidate mooching about in a hotel in Manhattan,” he began as the audience laughed.
He went on to describe the plot of “Maid in Manhattan,” a movie about a hotel maid and single mother who falls in love with a politician. Fiennes said Lopez, and her character, is an “unstoppable force” who soars and shares her gifts everywhere she goes.
The actor, 62, then highlighted Lopez’s other talents and referenced more films on her lengthy list of acting credits.
“She’s an amazing dancer and singer. She’s a beautiful actor. In fact, she also has acquired some rather amazing pole dancing skills for a certain movie,” he continued, referring to Lopez’s Golden Globe-nominated performance in the 2019 crime drama “Hustlers.”
Fiennes added that to become “a legend and a groundbreaker,” like Lopez, 55, it also takes a strong spirit.
Fiennes further praised the actor and singer for how she embodies these themes in her projects, like new movie “Unstoppable.” In the critically-acclaimed sports drama, which will be available to stream on Prime Video Jan. 16, Lopez plays the mother of a college wrestler (portrayed by Jharrel Jerome) who was born with one leg.
“The film reflects, I think, your fire, your force, your great creative spirit and your commitment to connecting and supporting other great souls, great women and their stories,” Fiennes said.
He recited an inspirational line from the movie that he said applies to Lopez.
“‘You make people believe in something. When people see you, they see someone who is unstoppable. That makes them believe in themselves,’” he quoted. “I’m thrilled to see you here today, Jen, It’s been great to see you and to present you with this award.”
As Lopez approached the stage, Fiennes continued to compliment her, calling her a “goddess.” The two sweetly embraced and she thanked him before taking the statue.
“We really must stop meeting in hotels like this,” she playfully said at the beginning of her remarks, Variety reported.
Lopez and Fiennes will likely continue to cross paths during this awards season as Fiennes currently stars in the movie “Conclave,” which received six Golden Globe nominations. At the Palm Springs International Film Festival, he and his “Conclave” co-stars won the ensemble performance award.
